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Getting Started

This page covers the essential steps for connecting EVO 4, setting an input level and preparing to record.

EVO 4 top panel showing the 48 V, input, Smartgain, Monitor Mix and Output Volume controls

1. Install the EVO software​

Register EVO 4 through Audient ARC to access the latest EVO software, Windows driver and product resources.

  • macOS: EVO 4 operates without a separate audio driver. Installing the EVO app is recommended for loopback control and firmware updates.
  • Windows: Install the current EVO driver and software before connecting EVO 4.

See Software Installation and Registration for the complete procedures.

2. Connect EVO 4​

  1. Turn down the level of any connected speakers or headphones.
  2. Connect EVO 4 to the computer using a suitable USB data cable.
  3. Connect active speakers to the EVO 4 speaker outputs, or connect headphones to the headphone output.
  4. Select EVO 4 as the input and output device in the computer’s audio settings and in the recording application.
note

Connecting headphones to EVO 4 automatically mutes the speaker outputs.

3. Connect a microphone, line-level source or instrument​

  • Connect a microphone to input 1 or input 2 using an XLR cable.
  • Connect a balanced line-level source to input 1 or input 2 using a 1/4-inch TRS cable.
  • Connect a guitar, bass or other high-impedance instrument to the JFET instrument input using a 1/4-inch TS cable.

4. Enable phantom power when required​

Some microphones require 48 V phantom power.

  1. Press the numbered button for the microphone input.
  2. Press 48V.
  3. Check that the 48 V button illuminates red.
caution

Check the microphone manufacturer’s instructions before enabling phantom power. Only enable 48 V when the connected microphone requires it.

5. Set the input gain with Smartgain​

  1. Press the green Smartgain button.
  2. Press input button 1, 2, or both to select the inputs to be analysed.
  3. Press Smartgain again.
  4. Perform the loudest part of the material you intend to record while EVO 4 analyses the signal.
  5. Wait for Smartgain to finish setting the input levels.

The Smartgain button flashes green when the process succeeds. A red indication means that Smartgain did not detect a suitable signal; check the connections, source level and phantom-power setting before trying again.

Setting gain manually​

  1. Press the numbered button for the input.
  2. Turn the Control Knob to adjust the input gain.
  3. Perform at the loudest expected level and check the LED meter around the Control Knob.

6. Set the monitoring balance​

  1. Press Monitor Mix.
  2. Turn the Control Knob towards the input side to hear more of the direct input signal.
  3. Turn the Control Knob towards the computer side to hear more playback from the recording application.
  4. Use Monitor Pan when the two inputs need to be positioned separately in the left-right monitor mix.

7. Prepare the recording application​

  1. Select EVO 4 as the application’s audio device.
  2. Create an audio track.
  3. Select the EVO 4 input connected to the source.
  4. Arm the track for recording.
  5. Check the input meter and begin recording.

Next steps​

Continue to Hardware and Connections to check the available inputs and outputs, or go to Input Controls and Smartgain to configure recording levels.